Christmas Markets, Cologne

Cultural exploration of the many Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany was the order of the day from 23rd - 25th November for 35 Year 8s and 9s, further to previous successful visits to Cologne for the Christmas markets in 2011 and 2022. Year 8s and 9s were able to gain a valuable insight into the way of life in another country, and to build their confidence and enjoyment of exploring a main city of Germany, and the cultural delights of the Weihnachtsmärkte.

The Year 9 GGS German learners amongst the trip participants were able to practise the German they have learned in school and to extend their linguistic skills, helpful as we work towards their German GCSE. The non-German learners amongst the students, though, also gave their newly-learned German phrases a go, ordering delicious food and drink items, and buying presents and souvenirs from the many stands available.

We travelled on a coach from the School via the Eurotunnel through the night to Cologne. After a delicious German breakfast at the Cafe Extrablatt in the Antoniter Quartier, we explored the famous Gothic Cologne Cathedral and the Markt am Dom next to it, before checking into our accommodation, noticing the historic brass ‘Stolpersteiner’, brass cobble stone plaques set into the pavements, commemorating Jewish residents of Cologne taken away during World War 2 from their homes.

During our visit on Friday and Saturday, we explored Christmas markets in Cologne, such as the fairytale Christmas markets of Nikolausdorf at Rudolfplatz, Alter Markt, Markt der Engel at Neumarktplatz (market of angels), Stadtgarten, and the Harbour Christmas market. We were fortunate after packing up after breakfast on Saturday, to enjoy a guided tour of Cologne. Our wonderful and informative guides from Cologne Tourism were excellent at leading us to the historic nooks and crannies of Cologne. Before heading back to England, we explored more Christmas markets for final yummy German goodies, Currywurst being a favourite amongst the boys, and for the purchase of more presents for friends and family back in the UK.

My sincere thanks go to Mrs Mahon, Mr Foster and Mr Annable who kindly gave up their time - and sleep! - to make the trip possible for the students.

VAL